Lionel Messi’s famed personal bodyguard made his epic return to the Inter Miami star’s side for the team’s friendly against the El Salvadorian national team.
Last season the bodyguard Yassine Chueko became famous after fans notice him patrolling the sidelines during one of Messi’s first games after moving to Miami, as he attempted follow that star during the game’s action.
It was later revealed that Chueko was a former US soldier and MMA fighter that was personally selected by David Beckham to protect Messi.
Chueko was eventually tasked into action one day when a young fan stormed the field in an effort to get a picture before he was stopped by the famed bodyguard. Messi still allowed the child to take the picture with him, however.
Although the 0-0 friendly went off without any issues, the services of Chueko and other security forces were certainly needed by Inter Miami on Friday night.
Lionel Messi’s famed personal bodyguard made his return to the Inter Miami star’s side
Messi and Miami played a preseason game against El Salvador on Friday evening
As thousands of fans waited for a glimpse of Messi, it was back to business for Yassine Chueko
Chueko went viral last season when fans noticed him patrolling the sidelines of a game
Messi and Miami went on to play a friendly against El Salvador’s national team that ended 0-0
Hours before the game even began videos on X showed what appeared to be thousands of fans pack the streets in Messi and Miami gear before storming the team’s busses for the chance to get a glimpse of the team’s players on the bus.
Tickets for the game have been ranging from $200-$400 and have likely surpassed that amount through third-party vendors.
San Salvador’s Estadio Cuscatlan holds a capacity of 53,400 fans and chances were high that every seat in the stadium will be sold out to cheer for the Miami magician.
Upon eventually arriving to the stadium for the game Chueko was seen walking with Messi as the star player got off the bus and waved to the masses of fans lined up outside the building and not letting the Argentine move further than an arm’s reach away.
The hysteria before the game ended up causing more exit than the dull display of soccer that went on to take place on the field.